AvoidingYardWork

I find in dirty water, where its more reaction based, it doesn't seem to matter. Everything else is chosen on a technique basis. Jerk baits get fluoro, frogs get heavy braid, squarebills get fluoro due to jagged rocks etc...

I'm thinking the Curado 150 mgl is going to be a classic. I've loved that reel so far, been progressively replacing my hodgepodge of reels with that line.

I've been using a Daiwa Tatula CT for throwing my frogs lately and its been holding up pretty good. I don't really want to use anything too fancy since I fish frogs in the sloppiest weeds I can find.

I started out bargain hunting and buying reels second hand or during sales. I had reels from several companies (13 fishing, daiwa, shimano, abu, and lews). Recently I find I've been replacing all my casters with Shimano. The Curado MGL stuff is just so solid and well priced that I find it hard to buy anything else. I also find that the Shimano frames fit my hands better than any other bait caster line, but that's purely personal preference. All my other reels either had weird quirks, or developed issues. My Shimanos just keep working with only basic maintenance. I even love their SLX line for beater reels and back ups.

I'm usually fishing frogs in heavy vegetation and slop. They're little more than silhouettes in that scenario so I go for black or dark browns. Any color on the top just helps me see the frog and if I'm retrieving it correctly.

I haven't used them yet, but apparently these are a pretty good replacement for Uncle Josh: https://www.papawesporktoads.com/

spinner bait/bladed jig depending on wind and cloud coverage mag draft 6" some sort of glide bait Large and small jerkbait (vision 110+ jr, and regular 110) lipless popper Squarebill some sort of dead float soft plastic (poop bait, whacky senko etc)

Popper or popping frog if there isn't vegetation. But the second the mucky weeds are there, its hollow body frog all day. Will run a buzzbait or plopper around docks, but usually prefer to pick apart any structure with a popper. Its crazy where you can put a popper with some careful casting.

I can second this. I have the Sierra 704 (kayak fishing so I like a little shorter rod) and its a great moving bait rod with enough flex to keep them pinned.

I didn't realize the Revo X moved to an all carbon body. Lol there is literally no reason to buy Abu now, especially since the SLX line keeps getting better. I was going to say the only compelling reel was the Revo X since it offered good durability and decent enough casting for a decent price. I mean I ended up replacing my Revo with a Curado because once you start using Shimano and Daiwa its hard to go anywhere else, but it was a decent enough reel on my frog setup.

#1 Hallow body frog #2 Some form of popper: pop max, rico, googan blooper (don't sleep on this one, replace the hooks and it is a killer) #3 Suspending Jerkbait #4 Spiner bait/bladed jig The rest of the time I'm trying out new stuff or trying to commit time to making lesser used lures/techniques work.

I've ordered several Curado reels without issue. The price was hard to ignore.

Every year I say I'm going to work towards competency with bottom contact baits (jigs, neds, etc)...and every year the frog bite takes over then I lose focus and its back to spinner/chatterbaits, jerkbaits, and rat baits. I started messing with poop baits and Deps bull flats with some promising success, I intend to circle back on those as well.

The MGL 70 K is the refresh of the MGL 70. Just got one for jerkbaits myself. Fantastic reel, cast smooth and retrieves with the competent solid feel typical of a Curado. If you're not careful, you'll spool the reel on a long bomb cast.

I've really enjoyed the Dobyns Fury 735. Its not quiet a pool que so you can whip frogs pretty far and it's light enough to not tire my wrist out. With the warranty and general affordability, I'm not afraid to cast into the gnarliest weeds I can find. I imagine the 705 would be similar. I've heard great things about the Exprides though.

I have a OT Sportsman 106 and couldn't imagine not having my Tundra. I know you can roof mount the kayak to anything and, suv's would probably work fine, but it is so easy to toss the kayak into the bed, secure with a few straps, and be about my way. My rods go in the front seat, and any gear in the back. Saw a few Elements in this thread that made my heart smile, I loved that silly little thing.

I wasted a lot of time sampling new brands as they went on sale, but recently started converting everything to the Curado 150 MGL because it just makes me smile. I have a Curado 70 mgl for jerkbaits, and a Curado k 200 in a lower gear for swim baits. Only outlier is a Daiwa Tatula CT I snagged on sale for my frog rod and a few SLX reels that i just cant come up with a reason to get rid of.

The Curado 150 MGL is amazing! Just got once recently and I'm tempted to start replacing everything with them. I have the Curado 70 MGL for my jerkbait set up and that reel is a revelation as well. Might have to put my 200ks in a display case and place of reverence.

Froggin doesn't need anything fancy, you're going to be close quarters in the slop so don't overthink the reel. Anything over $100 will get you a more durable aluminum frame and usually enough quality construction to get the job done. The Shimano SLX XT line is probably the best bang for buck. I had a cheaper Tatula CT laying around and have had great success with that reel with 50lb braid. I like to stick in the 7.2 gear ratio range, anything higher and you lose torque when they dig into the weeds. As far as the rod, there are so many good ones in the 7'3" heavy range, again it doesn't have to be fancy just pick one with enough reviews celebrating its durability. I personally use the Dobyns Fury 735C. Dobyns overstates their power ratings so its not quite a pool que, and is light enough to walk the dog without giving me tennis elbow. Either way, good luck with your set up and tight lines winching those fat ladies out of the slop!

Second the Dobyns Fury 735C. Use that as my main frog rod as well. Dobyns always overstates their power ratings so its not quite a pool que and is light enough to walk the dog all day. I used it primarily from the bank without issue, depending on your height you can bounce down a step to the 705 without losing much casting distance. I threw whatever cheaper reel I had laying around on it, this case a Tatula CT, and was in business.

I have mine spooled up with 12lb floro and use it as my all around moving bait reel. Does great for spinner baits and chatter baits. It's way too bulky for anything like a jerk bait.

I've had some success with the megabass pop max. I hate to admit it because of all the hate the brand gets, but I have a black googan blooper that bass just absolutely crush. Im sure its ripping off another more storied model, but the compact size and easy walking seem to righteously tick off fish, and it's cheap enough that I dont cry if I send one off into a tree.

Popper, 5" senko whacky rigged, frog....pretty much covers everything. Most ponds have bream as forage, these should work well.

I have mine on a Dobyn's Sierra and it has been working great.

After too many weeks of skunks this little lady came out to play. Caught off the bank with a suspending monsterbass vision 110 knock off. 3.25 lbs